Otronicon v.9 is in the can and it’s time we roll the credits on the inaugural FilmSlam! More than two dozen films were submitted in the genres of animation, gaming, science fiction, fantasy, cult and horror and screened for a live audience on the second day of Otronicon in the Digital Adventure Theater: A National Geographic Experience.

Congratulations to all the filmmakers selected to showcase their film and who won awards!

Judges Picks

1st: Brain Divided – Ringling College of Art and Design 2nd: Dia de los Muertos – Ringling College of Art and Design 3rd: It’s a Tie! • Runaway – Ringling College of Art and Design • Chicken or the Egg – Ringling College of Art and Design

To a kid, Otronicon is a dream come true — four floors of video games, robots, virtual reality and more. While the event can be known for the fun that can be had, it’s also recognized for sparking a child’s interest in science and tech careers through the appeal of interactive technology.

The event promotes the concept of “made in Orlando, played in Orlando” with many chances to interact with the creative professionals that make popular video games and discover the growing career opportunities available locally.

Ever dream of becoming a super hero? Playing the hero in video games may actually help make that a reality!

Violent video games have long been thought to increase aggression, but it appears that the opposite is true as well. A study done at the Stanford Virtual Human Interaction Laboratory shows that having superpowers in a video game can make people more altruistic.

Stanford researchers used a simulation game to test their theory. One at a time, 60 men and women strapped on virtual reality goggles and were whisked away to a virtual cityscape. Their airborne mission: to deliver insulin to a diabetic child. Half of the test subjects completed their mission by flying in a helicopter; the other half controlled their flight by a series of arm motions, like Superman.

Arcade games by definition are typically coin-operated machines such as pinball machines, video games and merchandisers (games which use claw cranes).

The first popular arcade games date back to the 1920s with the first coin-operated, fortune telling machines. In 1966 Sega introduced Periscope, an early submarine simulator, which became a worldwide success and the first arcade game to cost one quarter to play, a price which remained the standard for arcade games for many years to come.

Thinking back to high school geometry, did you ever think you might calculate the hypotenuse of a triangle in your adult life? Or apply the principles of acceleration learned in physics class?

For aviators, understanding math and physics is a must for reviewing flight plans and calculating fuel usage. Students, however, often don't see a correlation between math and science and their life experiences. Like generations before, they find themselves questioning when they will ever use the lessons taught in school.

What kids do understand is technology.

When it comes to technology in education, there is an enormous amount of evidence that indicates immersive, game-based learning environments foster deeper learning and provide opportunities to develop and exercise collaborative skills.

It’s all a matter of harnessing gaming power for an academic purpose. Lockheed Martin is working to combine technology and learning for professionals and students through its Prepar3D® simulation software. It’s one conduit to help engage students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) studies.

Science Night Live, Orlando Science Center’s adults-only event, featured world-renowned forensics experts as they demystified the forensic sciences. In addition to having access to all four floors including the observatory, guests also conducted their own crime scene investigations in Dr. Dare’s Laboratory as they took on the role of forensics expert and put together clues using techniques from various forensic science disciplines.

This is how grown-ups do Orlando Science Center when it’s reserved strictly for adults at Science Night Live!

In partnership with the Astronaut Scholarship Fund, guests were able to enjoy presentations from former NASA astronaut Robert L. Crippen and Lockheed Martin’s Jules Schneider, the project manager for NASA’s new human exploration spacecraft. In addition, visitors rocked out to the sounds of live band Beemo; experienced a laser light show in the Dr. Phillips CineDome; discovered the science of sports in “Sportsology”; viewed stars and planets from the Crosby Observatory; conducted lab experiments in Dr. Dare’s Laboratory; delighted in food and adult beverages courtesy of Vital Flair; and so much more!

At the first Young Maker Workshop of 2015 guests created their own wearable tech in the form of e-textiles!

Also known as electronic textiles, smart textiles or smart fabrics, e-textiles are fabrics that enable digital components and electronics to be embedded in them. Many intelligent clothing, smart clothing, wearable technology and wearable computing projects involve the use of e-textiles.

Using conductive string, fabric, LED lights and batteries, guests fashioned a light-up cuff bracelet to wear themselves or to give to their valentine.

This community-based learning event aims to inspire the public through do-it-yourself science, technology and art; hands-on workshops; panels; and more. The 2014 event featured more than 200 one-of-a- kind projects from local Makers.

Makers are DIY-enthusiasts who demonstrate their creativity and knowledge through personal creations. They come from all ages and backgrounds, ranging from techies to crafters to scientists to garage tinkerers. Each shares a common passion for innovation and creativity, as well as an educational spirit to inspire and encourage new Makers.

ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 8, 2014) — The ultimate form of show and tell, Orlando Science Center hosts the third annual Maker Faire Orlando (formerly Orlando Mini Maker Faire) on Sept. 13–14, 2014. This community-based learning event aims to inspire the public through do-it-yourself science, technology and art; hands-on workshops; panels; and more. This year’s event is bigger than ever before with more Makers, crazier creations and not one but two whole days to experience it! Maker Faire Orlando takes place on every floor of the Science Center as well as outside in Loch Haven Park.

The 2014 event features more than 200 one-of-a- kind projects from local Makers. Makers are DIY-enthusiasts who demonstrate their creativity and knowledge through personal creations. Makers come from all ages and backgrounds, ranging from techies to crafters to scientists to garage tinkerers. Each shares a common passion for innovation and creativity, as well as an educational spirit to inspire and encourage new Makers.

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